Carter and Sadie Kane are two normal kids, just like any others. They are the children of an American dad and a British mother, separated in a custody battle after the death of their mother. Sadie lives with their deceased mother's parents, while Carter travels the world with his father, visiting various archeological sites. Ok, so they're not totally normal, but they used to think they were a lot closer to the average child until they found out the family secret.

When Carter and Mr. Kane come to London for a visit with Sadie, the three of them travel to a nearby Museum, presumably so Mr. Kane can look at some artifacts. But as Carter and Sadie watch their father working in the Egyptian room, they see him pull out two strange devices and begin to act strangely. The next thing they know, there is an explosion, and they are under attack. Before they can figure out what is going on, their uncle (who they thought was in New York) comes swooping out of nowhere to save them.

It is in the aftermath of these events that Carter and Sadie find out the weird truth about their family- a truth that makes their family situation seem entirely pedestrian by comparison. Carter, Sadie, and indeed the entire Kane family, are descended from an ancient line of Egyptian Magicians. And their father has just set events into motion which will make Ancient Egypt seem a lot more real. Can Carter and Sadie come to terms with their new identities in time to stop the building of a mysterious Red Pyramid? Only time will tell.

Rick Riordan is a former school teacher and bestselling author of three young adult fiction series, each focusing in the mythology of a different ancient culture. Having first found success with his Greek mythology-inspired Percy Jackson series, Riordan has since turned his attention to the worlds of Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire.

Since his mother’s death six years ago, Carter Kane has been living out of a suitcase, traveling the globe with his father, the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane. But while Carter’s been homeschooled, his younger sister, Sadie, has been living with their grandparents in London. Sadie has just what Carter wants — school friends and a chance at a “normal” life. But Carter has just what Sadie longs for — time with their father. After six years of living apart, the siblings have almost nothing in common. Until now. On Christmas Eve, Sadie and Carter are reunited when their father brings them to the British Museum, with a promise that he’s going to “make things right.” But all does not go according to plan: Carter and Sadie watch as Julius summons a mysterious figure, who quickly banishes their father and causes a fiery explosion. Soon Carter and Sadie discover that the gods of Ancient Egypt are waking, and the worst of them — Set — has a frightening scheme. To save their father, they must embark on a dangerous journey — a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family and its links to the House of Life, a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs. Download and start listening now!

Listener Opinions

by Joe White | 2/19/2014

" Overly long chase sequence plot. This is styled as a Harry Potter knock-off. With its long involved chase sequence plot, it might be off-putting for younger readers, especially those with many more interesting distractions in their lives. I had to force myself to focus on details and continue, despite losing interest. "

by Kevin Acheampong | 1/28/2014

" It was a Great Book, I loved it. "

by Tenzin | 1/27/2014

" This book is good so far. "

by Connie | 1/20/2014

" This book is a fun and fast paced book. If you like Egyptian mythology, then you'll love this book.I recommend this book for young readers who love science fiction. "

" My Rating: 4.5 - This book or story, which ever you prefer, was really well written. I enjoyed it immensely. In the future I hope to read this to my grandchildren. I honestly believe it's that good of a story that will spark excitement and adventure into those that are young with intriguing minds. Give it a shot you may like it too! "

Julie Guanzon | 1/10/2014

" Egyptian mythology with a modern twist as told by two siblings (or should I say Godlings?). There's witty girl, Sadie and of course,there's also her brother, Carter. Together they beat every red light and ticking clock to save their father and well, the world in the process.As expected, they quarelled and bickered almost everytime and it's funny how I can sometimes find me and my brother in the way the two of them quarelled. However, we know that despite all these, when push comes to shove (and it definitely did, a couple times more than humanely necessary), they got eachother's back. I loved it!:) "

Chandan_7 | 1/8/2014

" This book was AMAZING, i just cant. Ive fallen in love. Zia Rashid is such an amazing character, i would do anything to play her in a movie. Its my life goal now. I'm getting the next books today and i cant wait to read them! "

Lauren Murray | 1/3/2014

" Pretty good. Starts out good, gets a little slow in the middle, and then picks up pace toward the end. Personally I prefer Riordan's Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus books better, but this is okay too. "

Emskponder | 12/20/2013

" Rick Riordan is genius but for readers the story can slow down at times but all together it was really cute! "

Selly | 12/2/2013

" Can't wait to read the Sequel "

Erin | 12/1/2013

" Could not finish. The dialogue between the brother and sister was annoying and ruined the book. I kept hoping that I could get past it because it seemed like the story might be worth the effort, but sadly towards the end I had enough and gave up. "

Brandy | 8/27/2013

" This was a new series about 2 kids descended from Egyptian pharaohs. They go on quests to reunite the Egyptian Gods and the House of Life. It was really interesting. "

Andrew | 5/9/2013

" Good series, though not quite as good as Percy Jackson. "

Em H. | 4/21/2013

" omg this book was amazing!!!!!!! it tottally got me started on the percy jackson series, which i also love... "

Cinnamon | 3/24/2013

" Love all things Egyptian, so this was really fun. Learned a bit too. "

Heidi | 11/10/2012

" My son loves these books so he made me read one. You know what? I really enjoyed it!! He loved that since he knows I'll buy the rest for him ;) "

Arnica Dela Cruz | 4/15/2012

" I don't know anything about Egypt mythology that's why I found this book confusing. And it's a bit boring too in the first part and I have hold the reading of this because of PJO. But I started to like it in the middle part and it's worth the read. :D "

Virginia | 12/4/2011

" I wasn't as enamored of this series as I was of the Percy Jackson one. Perhaps that's because so much of the mythology was unfamiliar? Still, a solid read for YA. "

Michelle | 6/2/2011

" Enjoyed! Yes, the book follows the template of his Heroes of Olympus series, but I still learned a whole lot about Egyptian mythology and it was a enthralling story. "

Debra | 5/23/2011

" Good book. Learned a lot about Egyptian gods and godesses, which I did know, but also found a little confusing.
"

Marianne | 5/22/2011

" Great story with lots of interesting Egyptian tidbits.
"

Sphinx | 5/22/2011

" Fun and just as creative as the other stories although Riordan needs to work on his characterization a little bit as the characters are all starting to seem too similar. I thought the Lemony Snickets ending was an odd way to go, but whatever.
"

Angie | 5/21/2011

" Just too slow for me, didn't keep me entertained (I was listening to it on audiobook).
"

Lisa | 5/21/2011

" Love the Narration by Katherine Kellgren, she does a really good job. I can't wait for the second one.
"

Benjamin | 5/20/2011

" so awesome!i cant wait for when i read the 2nd book!
"

Kadie | 5/20/2011

" A good mythology read. I like his other books too - I am looking forward to the next one in this series to come out, since there are still some loose ends at the end of this one.
"

Lucy | 5/20/2011

" Didn't want to give this a try when it initially came out. Received as a mother's day present. Quick read,fun to learn a bit about egyptian mythology.
"

Niti | 5/20/2011

" It was a great book for Egyptian Mythology, History, and fantasy fans. Almost as good as the Percy Jackson Series.
"

Sadie | 5/20/2011

" This is an ancient and very cool adventure.
I love this book and all to the Rick Riordon books!!
"

Samuel | 5/20/2011

" This book is basically a Percy Jackson book for Egyptians. It is a great book and is very action packed.
"

Victoria | 5/20/2011

" Not quite as good as his Percy Jackson books, but still an interesting read that taught me about many aspects of Egyptian history. Still a Rick Riordan fan!
"

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